This Team Looks Different from

Gonna go back in Time...

So before First2Third was born, I was blogging about baseball on my personal blog.  Can't believe how much this team has changed.  And with Tony Reagins out of the office, who knows what kind of team the Halos will be next year.  Here's a look at what the team looked like in 2008.  Four years later; Hunter, Mathis and Izturis are the only ones whom still remain. 

Napoli is in Texas, with the Rangers just destroying the ball.  Casey Kotchman and Sean Rodriguez are in Tampa playing for the Rays.  Both have been an important part of getting that team back to post-season play.  Figgins is on the terrible Mariners.  Wood is a Pirate, Rivera is a Dodger, Guerrero is will the Os, and Andreson and Quinlan are retired.  What a difference 5 years make.

The Angels DFA Brandon Wood.

Just ran into Brandon downstairs & wished him the best wherever he ends up…really, really good dude & someone I want to see succeed.

--Victor Rosas

I can remember, thinking back to two years ago, sitting at Angel Stadium on an usually hot Spring day.  The Angels were taking on the hated New York Yankees.  I was so confident in the work Kendrys Morales had put in and was hoping that Brandon Wood would follow suit.  I particularly wasn't to thrilled with Eric Aybar and remember thinking that I was hoping that Wood would eventually take over at short-stop for Aybar.  The couple I sat with were huge Angel fans, but didn't know much about Wood.  I leaned over to my friends and told them, "Watch this... Brandon Wood is my guy."  And believe it or not, Brandon Wood went deep against the Yankees, (I believe it was Sabathia, but I'm not sure.)  

When push comes to shove, the Halos didn't make the playoffs last year.  And although Brandon Wood doesn't take the sole blame, the writing was on the wall when the Angels made the trade for Alberto Callaspo.  There isn't room on this team for players who cannot perform.  I am one of those guys who always thought that Brandon Wood was destined to be great for the Angels. However, of all of his opportunities, he hasn’t really produced at a major league level. I didn’t want to see him go, but realistically the Angels weren’t going to keep a guy who provides so little offense to the team.  With Wood’s departure, I hope he can land on a young team that will be competitive in the future and allow him to be a cornerstone of a successful team.

Go Brandon Wood.

Go Halos

Angels' Third Base Internal Options for 2011

Listening to sports talk radio or visiting baseball rumor sites and it seems like people forgot where the Angels were prior to the 2002 World Series Championship Season.  The Angels did lose out on their alleged first choice free agent Carl Crawford to hated rivals Boston Red Sox.  In fact the Red Sox's great improved their team this off-season by free agency signings and a blockbuster trade with the Padres that landed them Adrian Gonzales.  Seemingly, the 2nd Choice Free Agent for the Halos is Adrian Beltre.  The Former Los Angeles Dodger, Seattle Mariner, and Red Sox has put up pretty good numbers in both offense and defense.  Will he radically change the team?  No, but his offense would be a god-send for a team who had trouble scoring last year.  

But the rumors have it that Beltre's demanding agent Scott Boras will only allow his agent sign for at a six year deal, which the Angels are too particularly found of.  As the sands fall through the hour glass and the free agent market becomes more and more bleak, what do the Angels do if they can't land their 2nd Choice?

As some have reported the trade market is down right now as well and the Angels might not have the prospects (not named Mike Trout) to land a big trade.  So what is a franchise to do?  Forgotten are the upgrades made to the pitching rotation and forgotten is the raw power of Kendry Morales.  

Scenario #1 

Do nothing.  Callaspo was a decent option at third base.  Reagins made the trade to bring him back to the Angels family last season.  Getting acclimated to return to the Angels might have just need some time.  Now with half a season under his belt and a full spring training with the Halos might prepare him for better year with the Angels.  Any upgrade in performance would benefit the Angels woes at 3rd.

Scenario #2

Brandon Wood had a real bad year last year.  But also was under a lot of pressure to perform.  Perhaps another go behind third might get him right.  Wood had some big shoes to fill last year with the departure of Figgins.  But maybe Wood can find his bat?  Maybe his short time in the Arizona Fall League helped him to regain his confidence.  Maybe every day at bats might get him going again.  The Angels must find some value in Wood, otherwise he might have been designated for assignment in lieu of Kevin Frandsen.  

Scenario #3

This one is my favorite option.  Long before Kendry Morales ever hit a home run in Anaheim, he was taking fielding at 3rd, 1st, Left, and Right.  Perhaps moving Morales to the hot corner is what the Angels need.  By moving Morales to Third Base, you also free up a spot at First base for Mike Napoli.  Napoli was the best fill in option at first when Morales was injured.  And although Napoli would probably prefer to be the every day catcher, its obvious that Mike Scioscia sees him more as a back up.  And with the emergence on Hank Conger whom could earn the starting catcher spot and provide some Napoli like power into the line up, who could blame him.  And with this line up you can still use a platoon of Juan Rivera & Bobby Abreu at LF/DH.

Scenario #4

Would involve elevating Mark Trumbo to third base.  Most of his background is at first, but putting him at third might be the quickest way to get him a look at the Major League Level.  Putting Trumbo at third might re-create a Brandon Wood like environment or might allow him to blossom.  This option is about as much of a roll of the dice as would be playing Wood. 

Ultimately I see the Angels signing Adrian Beltre.  And I also forsee Mike Napoli playing on another team next year.  But all I want for Christmas is Mike Napoli in the line up.

Down in the basement, three games into the Season!

Three Posts in Three Days!  I must really be in love with this ball club.  I don't think I can do this all year, but wouldn't it be awesome if I could?  I missed the beginning of the game due to Job #2.  But was listening in on the drive home.  Heard Brandon Wood strike out with the bases loaded.  I'm not willing to give up on Wood after 159 Game, but I'm starting to worry about the guy.  As I said I was at the game last night and the theme music Wood picked (or was it picked for him?) repeated the line "I made it!"  Well honestly with Wood the jury is still out.  Izturis is looking for at bats anywhere he can get them.  And even on the Sports Lodge, peoples are calling in left and right.  I'm all for sticking with Wood, but the question is, how long can the Angels let him swing and a miss.  

Everyone during the game was talking about Santana's stuff.  And sure games in March mean a hell of a lot less than games in August.  But His Stuff surrendered 4 runs.  After having a quiet bat Opening day Morneau and Mauer wake up, when the 1st Baseman cashed in on a 2 run Home Run.  Later J.J. Hardy goes deep, again.  And finally Denard cashed in an RBI on a sac fly.  Rivera and Napoli both scored RBI too, but the Angels again looking a little weak against the Twins.  The Angels offense made Pavano look like a Cy Young candidate.  Santana went six innings giving up 4 runs on 5 hits.  He also had 4 strike outs.  Maybe Santana's numbers will look better in August.  Or maybe the Angels offense will split the series and get their offense going tonight.  Any way you look at it...Angels are tied for last with Seattle. 

The STREAK begins 1/162

On April 6th there would only be 13 Teams with a perfect record, Baltimore and Tampa Bay have yet to play.  I was only pretty sure the Angels would be one of them.  The Angels sit atop the Western Division mountain in an all too familiar fashion.  However the Angels are not a lone, The Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners are still right there with them.  I hope the Oakland As get comfortable in their spot in the cellar, now to get the Rangers and Mariners used to looking up at the Angels in 1st.

The Halo offense came pretty much from the Hansen Brothers... you now MMM-POP, Mathis, Morales, and Matsui all hit homeruns.  Morales scored a couple of RBI and I was really impressed with Aybar leading off.  If Mathis keeps up his offense numbers like that, we might be saying good-bye to Mr. Napoli.  Not to mention Weaver was dealing.  It was far from a perfect pitching, but it was good enough for the win.  And not to mention all the Ks. And Brian Fuentes got save number 1.  Will he surpass last years numbers? 

I wasn't happy with the performance of one Brandon Wood.  Surely he has a 161 games to prove that he's the real deal, but last night he looked a little loss.

You have got to be excited about what the Angels are doing and if you aren't... you aren't an Angel fan.

Today is the day!

And...there it is, the first pitch of Spring Training for the STL Cardinals. 8 months of baseball obsession ahead.

I saw this tweet and just had to echo this sentiment, with the exception of STL Cardinals for the LAA Angels. I think most Angel fans have been counting down the days until our team returns to the field. And today is the day. In a little over an hour and a half, the Angels will take the field for the first time this year against a rival. The game will be played against the White Sox at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Joel Pineiro takes the mound. Does Morales start today? Will Wood prove why he'll get that starting 3B start? Will Aybar fit in that lead off spot. Will we miss Figgins, Lackey, Vlad, or Oliver? This will be step one, in many to return to the ALCS.

Good luck Halos.

The Angels lock up Maicer Izturis

The term Utility couldn't be more represented than by Maicer Izturis.  After a few injuries and a demotion for Angels regular second baseman, Howie Kendrick, Maicer was able to get quite the amount of playing time last year.  And it wasn't a desperation move or an attempt to just keep the base warm, Maicer was actually quite effective.  With limited plate appearances, Izturis maintained a batting avg of 300.  With 8 home runs.  Izturis brings solid defense at SS, 2B, or 3B.  And with the ability to get on base, he is more than just a fill in.

Today the Angels extended Maicer's contract for 3 more years at 10MM a year.  Which breaks down to about 3.3MM which was pretty much what Maicer was petitioning for in his arbitration hearing.  This extension is a great insurance policy in case there are any injuries to Kendrick, Wood, or Aybar.  And of course, Izturis can fill in when its time to give any of the three a day off.  This was a great signing and hopefully more extensions to come, for those who are facing arbitration.

Aybar are you okay, are you okay, or you okay Aybar?

Erick Aybar: Aybar injures left leg in Dominican game

Erick Aybar left a game Thursday in the Dominican Republic after apparently straining a muscle in his left leg. Aybar was attempting to beat out a grounder when he pulled up lame. The Angels haven't been updated on his condition...

Obviously Erick Aybar's health should be a major concern to the Angels.  His .312 batting average and 14 stolen bases are pivotal to the Angels offense this year.  By loosing Chone Figgins, the Angels will need a strong lead off batter.  If Aybar isn't ready come spring training, do you play Brandon Wood at SS and Maicer Izturis at 3B or keep Wood at 3B and Izturis at SS?  And if Izturis does start the year as the lead off hitter, it pretty much will keep Wood on the bench when Aybar does return.  Get well soon Aybar, the Halos need you.

This is the end... my dearest Figgins.

Sure is as good as any time to lament on the lore of Chone Figgins and how is infectious smile always beamed a ray of hope, even on the darkest Halo day. Figgins had been apart of every team that made the post season this decade. He will not easily be replaced as a player or a team mate. And no one should begrudge a guy who gave it all for the Angels, even if he is taking a huge pay day from a division rival. I certainly don't blame a guy for taking care of his family.

Good luck to Chone Figgins. Everyone at "Team The Diamond Aces" will miss you.

Fortunately, arbitration was offered to Figgins, along with John Lackey. I briefly touched upon the players who weren't offered arbitration in my post titled No arbitration asked orgiven. But here is the silver lining. A 18th Draft Pick from Seattle, that is if the Mariners do not sigh a high ranked free-agent, plus a sandwich pick. That would give the Angels a two picks in the 1st round. Seattle's 18th and the Angels 31st. Plus as I brought up on Knocking on Wood? MLB are you serious?the Angels have internal options at third base. Brandon Wood, or in a pinch Maicer Izturis can fill in at 3B.

Personally I'm glad that Figgins ended up on the Mariners. I thought he was going to go to New York. The Mariners require a lot of work to become a threat to the Angel franchise. Figgins helps, but he doesn't answer all the questions. By signing with the Ms, the Angels get a better pick in the draft.

Were you surprised that the Ms signed Figgins? Who will play 3B for the Halos next year? Leave a comment and tell me what you think.

Knocking on Wood? MLB Network are you serious?

Last night on MLB Networks Hot Stove show, a panel consisting of Greg Amsinger, Harold Reynolds, Joe Magrane, and Ken Rosenthal broke down teams in need of a Third Baseman. Right behind the Phillies they list the Angels. Are you serious?

Reynolds suggest that Chone Figgins would be the right fit for the Angels. Well he is right that Figgins is a perfect fit for the Angels. However his new salary will not be a perfect fit. The business of baseball comes into play. When Figgins signs his new contract he is expecting to make near 10 million a year. 5 Years at 50 Million is what I think Figgins will eventually sign for. But the Angels do not want to be on the other end of the contract, not when there are more pressing needs for the Angels.

Rosenthal suggests Adrian Beltre to the Angels. Who is familiar with the American League West. Magrane suggests that Beltre is the best available third baseman today. Beltre does have a lot of power, but only had 8 home runs last year. On top of that, the Mariners offered Beltre arbitration, which means he'll cost the Halos compensatory picks. If you have to pick between the two, Figgins is the superior third baseman, at least in 2009.

But I'm on the side of the table that said let Figgins go sign with the Yankees to play Left Field. Let Adrian Beltre go play Third for the Phillies. Let me tell you about a young guy named Brandon Wood.

In 2006, Baseball American said that Wood was the 3rd Best Prospect behind Delmon Young and Justin Upton. A sprinkle of at bats in 2007, 2008, and 2009. He never had consistent at bats at the major league level. Nor does he have anything left to prove in the minor league. And with that he is all out of options. At this point the Angels will either trade him or play him. And he is under team control for a few more years, only making roughly $400,000 a year. There are some comparisons to Kendry Morales and Brandon Wood that many believe that consistent at bats will translate into some explosive offense.

Is Brandon Wood the best option for the Angels at third? Who should the Angels chose?
Leave Comments below.

Read My Lips, No New Free-Agents!!!

Originally posted at HalosHeaven

The void that will be created with the departures of John Lackey, Chone Figgins, Darren Oliver, and Vladimir Guerrero will be felt long after they sign new contracts with their new teams. Lackey is a true number one Ace, Figgins is a true lead off hitter and has great defensive skills, Oliver isn't only a lefty specialist, and Vladimir was the face of the franchise. But like Tony Reagins said on the Drive yesterday, you have to take the emotion out of the business decisions.

We Will Win, With What We Got or Lightning Strikes Twice.

Last year the Halosphere was bent because Mark Teixera took his U-Haul to New York for a big payday. Some of the Fan Faithful believed in the unproven Kendry Morales. And that investment paid in dividends. Could Brandon Wood produce similarly to Morales? Wood has nothing left to prove in minors. Given an opportunity of having regular at bats and every day play, perhaps he could put together a good season. And if his defense isn't as great as we were once led to believe or his offense never gets started, he can always be platooned with super-utility player Maicer Izturis.

What about Sean O'Sullivan, given a chance to shine could he become the John Lackey of 2002? And with a rotation of Weaver, Santana, Saunders, Kazmir, couldn't the Angels survive with a pitcher like O'Sullivan or Matt Palmer, Trevor Bell, Dustin Moseley or maybe even Anthony Ortega? Those 5 guys gave us 22 wins last year. With Vladimir Guerrero gone, our Designated Hitter position becomes a platoon position. It allows Bobby Abreu to take a day or two off, from the field. Giving playing time to Gary Matthews Jr. or Reggie Willits. And when days Abreu is in the outfield, Napoli could share time at DH keeping his bat in the line up, which when hot is a nice bat to have.

But why scrimp in save in 2010?

According to MLBTradeRumors, 2011 will see nearly 30 pitchers who will be available to file for Free Agency. Some of the names available in 2011 will be Josh Beckett, Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Ted Lilly. Let alone All-Star catcher Joe Mauer and Albert Pujols.

What better way to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim's existence than to break the bank for a Lee or Halladay and a Mauer or a Pujols.

The Angels can Win With What We Got

Angels, Tigers Discuss Granderson Trade

MLBTR is reporting that the Angels and Tigers are discussing a Granderson Trade.

The Angels and Tigers have discussed a trade for center fielder Curtis Granderson, according to Ken Davidoff of Newsday. Davidoff says the Halos would use Granderson in left field and either shift Juan Rivera to DH or trade him. In my opinion, the Angels could fill several needs cheaply for the Tigers with players such as Mike Napoli and Brandon Wood. Davidoff adds that the Yankees "think very highly" of Granderson and the Cubs are "expected to inquire."

Granderson has always played well in Anaheim. But he is far from a complete player. He has good defense but his offense is sub-par. He does have good speed, but his OPS is much to low to be a lead off hitter. And he doesn't hit well against Lefties.

The move at the very least is interesting. But I can't see the Angels trading either Wood or Napoli for a player who is similar to a younger Gary Matthews Jr. Before Tony Reagins makes a move, our outfield is slated to look like Juan River (LF), Torii Hunter (CF), and Bobby Abreu (RF). With Matthews scheduled to be the 4th man. If Matthews moves, then Willits is promoted to the 4th man. That means The Angels still have an abundance of outfielders.

Preferably the Angels, if they are going to make some trades, should look to trade for another starting pitcher. Considering John Lackey isn't likely to return. There is a lot of IFs this off-season and it looks like we'll be waiting to January to see how it all works out.